Indian Eggplant

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Introducing the Indian Baby Eggplant - a delightful and petite, tender eggplant that is a beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine! Known for their mild flavor and versatile nature, these 2-3-inch small egg-shaped eggplants are the perfect size for stuffing, roasting, or stir-frying into a variety of delicious dishes. Their glossy, deep purple skin adds elegance to any plate, while the creamy white flesh inside provides a rich, buttery flavor that is enhanced when paired with aromatic spices and seasonings often used in Indian cooking. These eggplants absorb flavors well, making them ideal for curries, stir-fries, and stews. They can also be sliced, grilled, or pan-fried to make delicious side dishes! Indian Baby Eggplant makes an excellent supplement to vegetarian and vegan diets. It boasts a variety of health benefits, including high amounts of dietary fiber, potassium, and B vitamins.

Also Known As: Baby Eggplant, Small Eggplant, Indian Eggplant, Aubergine, Brinjal, Ratna, Bharta, Melanzana, Melongene, Guinea Squash

We ship in 1 business day. Shipped with USPS First Class Mail.
 

Plant Name:
Eggplant, Indian Baby
Latin Name:
Solanum melongena or Solanum ovigerum or Solanum trongum
Days to Germinate: 7-14
Days to Harvest: 70
Germination Rate: 85%
Test Date: 12/24
Growth Habit: Bush
USDA Zones: 5-12
Lifespan: Annual
Brand: TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade
GMO: No
Pollination:
Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No
Seeds Packed For**: 2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.


Planting Instructions:

 

Soil Preparation:

Remove large weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Spade the soil 6-10 inches deep and turn each shovel of soil over completely to till soil. Eggplant prefers well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.2. You may add fertilizer (see "Fertilizing" below) or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay over planting area at this point. The higher the organic matter content of the soil the better, so it may be beneficial to incorporate a 3-4 inch layer of compost if possible.
 

Planting:

Although eggplant can be seeded directly into the garden, it may be better for beginner gardeners to use transplants. For transplants, start seeds 6-8 weeks indoors before transplanting outside. Seeds may germinate more quickly, in 5-7 days, if kept at 86 degrees and may take up to 14 days if germinated at 65 degrees F. Eggplant is a tropical plant so it is sensitive to cold and should not be planted outside until after all risk of frost has passed and daytime temperatures are at least 65 degrees F. The plants will grow to 2-4 feet upright bushes so space transplants 2 - 2 1/2 feet apart. To direct sow, make 1/2 inch deep holes spaced 2 - 2 1/2 feet apart in raised beds down rows 2-4 feet apart, then plant 6-8 seeds in each hole. Cover thinly with soil and water after planting.
 

Planting Depth: 1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:
2 - 2 1/2 feet
Between-Row Spacing:
2-4 feet

 

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the eggplants at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. High temperatures, high winds, and sandy soils will increase the need for water.

Weeding: Keep squash plants as weed-free as possible. When plowing or hoeing do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder rooters which may slow the plant's growth.

Fertilizing: Eggplant benefits from a consistent supply of nutrients. You may optionally scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 1,000 square feet of garden area. Apply half the fertilizer before planting and the other half after the first fruits appear. Work into the soil and leave the surface smooth. 

After transplanting the eggplant, you may pour 1/4 cup of starter solution around each plant. Make the starter solution by dissolving 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer in 1 gallon of water. Do not let fertilizer touch the plants. Water the plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Bt neem oil can be used to control the cutworm, Sevin® and Thiodan® can control for the eggplant flea beetle. Neem oil, Dacsure, and Disureig-sure can control for serpentine leafminers. Insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and spinosad controls for spider mites. Before using a pesticide, read the label and always follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: Eggplant can get diseases at various stages, including seed rot, damping off, anthacnose,  late blight, alternaria leaf spot, and verticillium wilt. Diseases may manifest if 3 conditions take hold: presence of a disease pathogen, a susceptible host, and a favorable environment. Diseases are preventable by rotating crops, proper irrigation, plant spacing, and good sanitation (such as disposing diseased plants). Check the plants daily and if spots or mold appear, treat the plant with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. Please always follow label directions.
 

Harvesting:

Indiant Eggplant can be harvested when they are glossy purple and 2-3 inches in diameter. Harvest before the skin dulls and seeds become hard. If you lightly press the side of the fruit with your thumbnail and the indentation stays, then the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked. Cut Indian eggplants off the plant rather than breaking off the plant. Handle Indian eggplants gently to prevent bruises.

 

Nutrition Facts:


Calories 20
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.1 g 0%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 2 mg 0%
Potassium 188 mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 4.8 g 1%
Dietary fiber 2.5 g 10%
Sugar 2.9 g
Protein 0.8 g 1%
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 3%
Calcium 0% Iron 1%
Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 5%
Cobalamin 0% Magnesium 2%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.